Aside from value for money healthcare services — be it preventative care, aesthetics or dental— the country’s medical tourism portfolio is unique in a way that it also offers patients seeking medical care abroad a holistic wellness and travel experience.

“In the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines ranks number three, reflective of the beauty of our destinations and our capacity to offer unforgettable and healing tourism experiences in the Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Thursday.

“All over the world, we’re actually ranked at above 20 (as a medical tourism destination). So, iyong layunin natin (our goal) is really to become a premier and preferred health and wellness tourism destination,” she added.

After receiving their medical care, Frasco said the Philippines give patients the opportunity to avail of its experiential travel offerings or wellness and spa packages that feature Filipino traditional healing techniques like “hilot” (massage).

“Binibigyan natin sila ng oportunidad na makilala ‘yong kultura ng Pilipinas (We give them the chance to get to know more about the Philippines), much of which is grounded on our Filipino Brand of Wellness offerings,” she said.

Last May, the DOT rolled out a Filipino Brand of Wellness module for tourism stakeholders and communities. It also partnered with various wellness associations to elevate the global standards of health and wellness travel in the country.

Florida-based Medical Tourism Association (MTA) said the global medical tourism is currently valued at USD100 billion, growing by 15 percent to 25 percent annually.

Its 2024 Patient Survey showed that patients who have considered receiving medical care abroad places a “high importance on accreditation”.

Also a decisive factor when they consider treatment overseas is whether the healthcare provider offers better payment security or options and post-care.

In the Philippines, Frasco said the government is working with the private sector and has also introduced its very own accreditation for “medical tourism facilities”.

At present, it has The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, and Saint Luke’s Medical Center as part of the list and the GAOC or the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center as its first DOT-recognized dental facility.

Last Oct. 14, the DOT also launched the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) that gathered stakeholders and delegates from at least 38 countries. (PNA)